It's that time of year again...I'm definitely SHEDDING. It can be very scary at times, especially when you consider that I only do my hair once a week (sometimes twice). Lately, my hair ball could be mistaken for a small animal...not a good look.

I did a little research on seasonal hair shedding. I wanted to know if it's a myth, or a real phenomenon. I was also curious about what the causal mechanisms are and what, if anything, we can do to curb it.

Is seasonal hair shedding real?

Apparently, there hasn't been much 'scientific' research dedicated to seasonal hair loss in humans (lots of studies in rats, minks and other small mammals). Several UK studies have concluded that seasonal hair shedding is an actual phenomenon, occurring in the fall and early spring of each year (similar to other mammals, we essentially replace our summer coats with winter coats, and vice versa.

We typically shed anywhere from 50-100 hairs a day (telogen hairs, or hairs with little white or pigmented bulbs on the end...mine are almost always pigmented). The difference is, during the summer and winter, we probably shed close to 50 per day, but during the shedding seasons, we lose closer to 100 hairs per day. Generally, the hair loss, no matter the season, stays within that range. But of course, every head is different....you may shed a lot more than this, or a lot less. I use to get very anxious about my shed hairs, so much so, that I've been tempted (key word "tempted") to count them. I actually started counting on several occasions, but it is a very tedious process, and actually only exacerbated the anxiety! And as you know, stress and anxiety can lead to hair loss, so this would definitely be counterproductive!

While I've never used a home made garlic treatment I do regularly use Alter Ego Hot Oil Treatment with Garlic. It doesn't smell yummy, but definitely not as bad as straight up garlic juice. I use it when I'm experiencing heavy shedding and I definitely notice a difference. I've used it as a relaxed girl and still use it 8 months into my transition. I mix in some oils and use it as a deep conditioner once a week as needed - my hair loves it.